Fred's Footsteps helps working families stay on their feet through a child's illness or injury.

We provide direct financial assistance for non-medical expenses, such as household bills, to make up for gaps in income as well as one-time extraordinary expenses, like medical equipment or home modifications. We are the only program in the region that provides this type of bridge—not just momentary help—to families during their time of need.

Our Guiding Principles

Family

We always put families first. We do everything possible to achieve a deep, meaningful, and personalized impact for each family.

Compassion

We serve families with kindness and respect during their time of need.

Connections

We build personal relationships with our partners, our supporters, and the families we serve to achieve a meaningful impact together.

Integrity

We are honest and transparent in our work and in our management of the resources entrusted to us.

Legacy

We carry forward the legacy of G. Fred DiBona, Jr. as a person of compassion, generosity, and principle, and we inspire the same qualities in others.

Fred's Legacy

Fred’s Footsteps honors the life and legacy of native South Philadelphian G. Fred DiBona, Jr., a community and business leader known and respected for his generous spirit, big heart, and dedication to others.

Fred’s Footsteps was created in memory of G. Fred DiBona, Jr., who died on January 11, 2005, at the age of 53 after a courageous fight with cancer. Fred was a native South Philadelphian who became president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross and was a leader in Philadelphia’s business community for more than three decades.

Fred was well known by his family, friends, and colleagues as the one who always went out of his way to help people who were dealt a bad hand, were struggling with some kind of hardship, or were the underdog. While he was a driven business leader, he also had a big heart. When he gave his word, he kept it. He was loyal to those he trusted, and he expected the same in return. He loved to laugh, and to make others laugh. When Fred saw someone in need—especially a child—he did everything he could to help.

Despite his many achievements, Fred always preferred to acknowledge the accomplishments of others. He never bragged about his multiple awards, and wouldn’t take credit for growing Independence Blue Cross into a $10 billion company or for spearheading the successful effort to locate the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. But there is one thing Fred was never modest about: his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Sylvia, and a proud father to his children, Christine and Fred. Nothing was more important than family, and he delighted in telling others how much they meant to him.

Fred’s Footsteps was created in memory of G. Fred DiBona, Jr., who died on January 11, 2005, at the age of 53 after a courageous fight with cancer. Fred was a native South Philadelphian who became president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross and was a leader in Philadelphia’s business community for more than three decades.

Fred was well known by his family, friends, and colleagues as the one who always went out of his way to help people who were dealt a bad hand, were struggling with some kind of hardship, or were the underdog. While he was a driven business leader, he also had a big heart. When he gave his word, he kept it. He was loyal to those he trusted, and he expected the same in return. He loved to laugh, and to make others laugh. When Fred saw someone in need—especially a child—he did everything he could to help.

Despite his many achievements, Fred always preferred to acknowledge the accomplishments of others. He never bragged about his multiple awards, and wouldn’t take credit for growing Independence Blue Cross into a $10 billion company or for spearheading the successful effort to locate the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. But there is one thing Fred was never modest about: his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Sylvia, and a proud father to his children, Christine and Fred. Nothing was more important than family, and he delighted in telling others how much they meant to him.

For me, it isn’t just one moment or experience. My favorite time of year is always at the end of each year reflecting back on how much Fred’s Footsteps has grown and all we have accomplished. The numbers are, of course, important, but they correlate to families helped and knowing we have touched so many lives is simply incredible. I also feel a great sense of gratitude for our generous supporters, volunteers, and staff that make this possible!

Favorite quote:

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

My family: Husband Brian, daughter Isabelle, and son Jack

Passionate about: All things food! I love to cook and enjoy dining out at all the culinary gems in Philadelphia.

It’s actually pretty hard for me to narrow this down, because I’ve had some incredible experiences over the last 17 years. Highlights would be leading the PR efforts for Pennsylvania Ballet when they made their international debut at the Edinburgh International Festival, and executing a fundraising event on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum with a performance by John Legend.

Favorite quote:

“I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” -Julia Roberts, Steel Magnolias

My family: Husband Mark and sons Harrison and William

Passionate about: Anyone that knows me will tell you I’m a Martha Stewart-wannabe. I love to bake, cook, and craft.

Having worked in the child welfare field in Philadelphia since 1991, I have had a wide variety of experiences working with all kinds of families. My favorite moments were always when a child was safely reunited with their family or adopted into a permanent home after time in the foster care system. Every child deserves a safe and loving home with people who adore them, and to serve as their advocate to help make this happen was always a cause for pride and joy.

Favorite quote:

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” -Meister Eckhart

It happens all the time at Fred’s with the grateful families telling me what our help has meant to them.

Favorite quote:

“Be who you are and be that well.”—St. Francis de Sales

My family: Husband and two kids

Passionate about: Ever since I was young, I have been passionate about wellness. In my early 20's, I got into running and while I do not run anymore, I do love all kinds of exercise, including boot camp, spin, and yoga. I love to cook and spend time with my family.

For me, it isn’t just one moment or experience. My favorite time of year is always at the end of each year reflecting back on how much Fred’s Footsteps has grown and all we have accomplished. The numbers are, of course, important, but they correlate to families helped and knowing we have touched so many lives is simply incredible. I also feel a great sense of gratitude for our generous supporters, volunteers, and staff that make this possible!

Favorite quote:

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

My family: Husband Brian, daughter Isabelle, and son Jack

Passionate about: All things food! I love to cook and enjoy dining out at all the culinary gems in Philadelphia.

It’s actually pretty hard for me to narrow this down, because I’ve had some incredible experiences over the last 17 years. Highlights would be leading the PR efforts for Pennsylvania Ballet when they made their international debut at the Edinburgh International Festival, and executing a fundraising event on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum with a performance by John Legend.

Favorite quote:

“I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” -Julia Roberts, Steel Magnolias

My family: Husband Mark and sons Harrison and William

Passionate about: Anyone that knows me will tell you I’m a Martha Stewart-wannabe. I love to bake, cook, and craft.

Having worked in the child welfare field in Philadelphia since 1991, I have had a wide variety of experiences working with all kinds of families. My favorite moments were always when a child was safely reunited with their family or adopted into a permanent home after time in the foster care system. Every child deserves a safe and loving home with people who adore them, and to serve as their advocate to help make this happen was always a cause for pride and joy.

Favorite quote:

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” -Meister Eckhart

It happens all the time at Fred’s with the grateful families telling me what our help has meant to them.

Favorite quote:

“Be who you are and be that well.”—St. Francis de Sales

My family: Husband and two kids

Passionate about: Ever since I was young, I have been passionate about wellness. In my early 20's, I got into running and while I do not run anymore, I do love all kinds of exercise, including boot camp, spin, and yoga. I love to cook and spend time with my family.

For me, it isn’t just one moment or experience. My favorite time of year is always at the end of each year reflecting back on how much Fred’s Footsteps has grown and all we have accomplished. The numbers are, of course, important, but they correlate to families helped and knowing we have touched so many lives is simply incredible. I also feel a great sense of gratitude for our generous supporters, volunteers, and staff that make this possible!

Favorite quote:

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

My family: Husband Brian, daughter Isabelle, and son Jack

Passionate about: All things food! I love to cook and enjoy dining out at all the culinary gems in Philadelphia.

It’s actually pretty hard for me to narrow this down, because I’ve had some incredible experiences over the last 17 years. Highlights would be leading the PR efforts for Pennsylvania Ballet when they made their international debut at the Edinburgh International Festival, and executing a fundraising event on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum with a performance by John Legend.

Favorite quote:

“I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” -Julia Roberts, Steel Magnolias

My family: Husband Mark and sons Harrison and William

Passionate about: Anyone that knows me will tell you I’m a Martha Stewart-wannabe. I love to bake, cook, and craft.

Having worked in the child welfare field in Philadelphia since 1991, I have had a wide variety of experiences working with all kinds of families. My favorite moments were always when a child was safely reunited with their family or adopted into a permanent home after time in the foster care system. Every child deserves a safe and loving home with people who adore them, and to serve as their advocate to help make this happen was always a cause for pride and joy.

Favorite quote:

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” -Meister Eckhart

It happens all the time at Fred’s with the grateful families telling me what our help has meant to them.

Favorite quote:

“Be who you are and be that well.”—St. Francis de Sales

My family: Husband and two kids

Passionate about: Ever since I was young, I have been passionate about wellness. In my early 20's, I got into running and while I do not run anymore, I do love all kinds of exercise, including boot camp, spin, and yoga. I love to cook and spend time with my family.

For me, it isn’t just one moment or experience. My favorite time of year is always at the end of each year reflecting back on how much Fred’s Footsteps has grown and all we have accomplished. The numbers are, of course, important, but they correlate to families helped and knowing we have touched so many lives is simply incredible. I also feel a great sense of gratitude for our generous supporters, volunteers, and staff that make this possible!

Favorite quote:

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

My family: Husband Brian, daughter Isabelle, and son Jack

Passionate about: All things food! I love to cook and enjoy dining out at all the culinary gems in Philadelphia.

It’s actually pretty hard for me to narrow this down, because I’ve had some incredible experiences over the last 17 years. Highlights would be leading the PR efforts for Pennsylvania Ballet when they made their international debut at the Edinburgh International Festival, and executing a fundraising event on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum with a performance by John Legend.

Favorite quote:

“I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” -Julia Roberts, Steel Magnolias

My family: Husband Mark and sons Harrison and William

Passionate about: Anyone that knows me will tell you I’m a Martha Stewart-wannabe. I love to bake, cook, and craft.

Having worked in the child welfare field in Philadelphia since 1991, I have had a wide variety of experiences working with all kinds of families. My favorite moments were always when a child was safely reunited with their family or adopted into a permanent home after time in the foster care system. Every child deserves a safe and loving home with people who adore them, and to serve as their advocate to help make this happen was always a cause for pride and joy.

Favorite quote:

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” -Meister Eckhart

It happens all the time at Fred’s with the grateful families telling me what our help has meant to them.

Favorite quote:

“Be who you are and be that well.”—St. Francis de Sales

My family: Husband and two kids

Passionate about: Ever since I was young, I have been passionate about wellness. In my early 20's, I got into running and while I do not run anymore, I do love all kinds of exercise, including boot camp, spin, and yoga. I love to cook and spend time with my family.